Here's what you missed while enjoying the 55-degree days in Kansas City this weekend:
1. Branden Albert to Miami seems likely
The Miami Herald said he the Dolphins are the front-runner for Albert's services. Pro Football Talk reported all signs point to Albert joining the Dolphins on Tuesday when free agency starts. The Cardinals were another team said to be involved but the Dolphins sure look like the leader.
The offensive tackle market looks like a good one. Albert is at the top of the class and will be paid like it with a deal over $10 million per year. OT Eugene Monroe could stay in Baltimore. The Raiders, with a gazillion bucks in cap space, are on the verge of losing OT Jared Veldheer. They are making plans to replace Veldheer. Meanwhile, the Cardinals appear ready to pay Veldheer when free agency opens. The Raiders? They could pursue Rodger Saffold, who is a step below the others.
2. Geoff Schwartz, Jon Asamoah are drawing interest from other teams
The crappy part of free agency so far? All the rumors are about Chiefs players leaving the team, not the Chiefs signing anyone. Geoff Schwartz and Jon Asamoah are two examples of this. Rumors have linked the Giants to the Schwartz but nothing more than connecting-the-dots. Meanwhile, reports have said the Jets will pursue Asamoah who, like Schwartz, is one of the top guards available in free agency and a candidate to be paid very well.
The Falcons are also said to be interested in Asamoah, which is notable because former GM Scott Pioli is now in Atlanta. Adam Caplan reported on Monday morning that it would be a "small upset" if Asamoah signed anywhere else.
3. Chiefs want to re-sign Dexter McCluster?
Devin Hester will have options, but #Chiefs No. 1 focus is to re-sign Dexter McCluster. If that doesn't happen, maybe Hester in play in KC.
— Jeff Dickerson (@ESPNChiBears) March 7, 2014
This was reported in the wake of Devin Hester leaving Chicago. That's all we've heard on McCluster -- nothing else. I find that interesting because if McCluster were going to leave Kansas City, many agents would be linking him to other teams in order to drive up interest. But there's nothing like that.
I'm just sayin' ... look at the other free agents. Rumors are leaking out of the team's interest. Pro Bowler Dexter McCluster has no reports of others interested? Hmm.
4. All else is quiet
Haven't heard any FA talk on Abdullah, Demps, Lewis, Zombo, Jordan, Kyle Williams http://t.co/i1ocykOTiJ
— Arrowhead Pride (@ArrowheadPride) March 9, 2014
There's nothing out there on those players above, nor any of the other Chiefs free agents we haven't mentioned.
5. More free agency rumors
CB Alterraun Verner is very sought after
Everyone seems to be interested in him (or someone is making it seem like everyone else is interested). With Packers CB Sam Shields getting a four-year, $39 million deal, the corner market has been revived. Verner is going to get paid big time, probably more than Shields.
Jaguars landed DT Red Bryant on 4-year deal
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The Chiefs were said to be interested in DT Red Bryant, who was cut by the Seahawks a couple weeks ago. But the Jaguars struck first, signing him to a four-year deal. Bryant has ties to Jaguars coach Gus Bradley from their time in Seattle.
Titans looking to trade RB Chris Johnson
Good luck. He was an obvious cut, due over $8 million. Jamaal's window will be bigger than Johnson's.
The Broncos will pursue SS TJ Ward
Ugh. The Chiefs have a safety need as do the Broncos. Ward is more of a strong safety but he's athletic enough to cover too.
CB Antonio Cromartie has been cut
He's 29 years old. The bigger corner (6'2) that the Chiefs say they like. I bring his name up because he played under Bob Sutton, the Chiefs defensive coordinator who was previously in New York.
Challenge for Cromartie suitors in FA deciding if 2013 an aberration. Went from +11.1 coverage grade in 2012 to -17.5. Big risk/ reward guy
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) March 9, 2014
Chiefs free agency round-up:
Chiefs free agents: OT Branden Albert, G Geoff Schwartz, G Jon Asamoah, WR Dexter McCluster, WR Kyle Williams, LB Akeem Jordan, DE Tyson Jackson, S Kendrick Lewis, DB Husain Abdullah, DB Quintin Demps
Free agents re-signed: LS Thomas Gafford, LB Frank Zombo, TE Richard Gordon (RFA), G Ricky Henry (RFA)